The historic rivalry between England and India resumed on 23 July 2025 at Old Trafford, Manchester, as both teams commenced the penultimate battle of a tightly fought five-match Test series. England lead the series 2-1, knowing victory here would seal the contest before The Oval, while India are desperate to stay alive, needing at least a draw to keep hopes of a dramatic turnaround alive. With packed stands and millions tuning in, day one’s play has gripped UK cricket fans as only an Ashes rival can rival in anticipation.
Toss and Team News
Ben Stokes, England’s charismatic skipper, made headlines before a ball had been bowled, choosing to field first after winning the toss. Old Trafford’s reputation as a fortress where teams rarely win with that choice only added a sense of daring to his decision. Stokes explained that overhead bowling conditions made the call “almost irresistible,” hoping his seam attack could exploit a pitch known for early movement.
England made just one change from their controversial win at Lord’s, with spinner Liam Dawson returning to Test cricket after an eight-year absence due to an injury to Shoaib Bashir. In contrast, India presented a reshuffled line-up, responding to injuries and tactical shuffles by handing fast bowler Anshul Kamboj a debut and recalling Shardul Thakur. Sai Sudharsan came in at number three, replacing an out-of-form Karun Nair, as captain Shubman Gill looked to ignite a young side missing legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Morning Session
The opening session belonged to India’s new-look partnership. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul got off to a measured yet confident start. On a potentially lively surface, both batters focused on careful shot selection and solid defence. By the time lunch approached, they had put on a partnership worth 94 runs—their highest opening stand of the series—giving India a solid foundation and frustrating England’s bowlers, despite testing spells from Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes.
Jaiswal, who recently reached 1,000 Test runs in only 16 innings, becoming the joint-second fastest Indian to achieve the milestone, showed maturity beyond his years. Rahul, more circumspect, also contributed with dogged determination, stifling England’s search for early wickets.
Afternoon Drama: England Strike Back
The second session saw the contest pivot, as England’s bowlers clawed their way back into the match. Chris Woakes was the first to break through, tempting Rahul into a drive that ended with a sharp edge to Zak Crawley at slip. Rahul departed for a battling 46, and England had a glimmer of hope.
Liam Dawson, back in Test whites after a long exile, immediately demonstrated his class. He dismissed the aggressive Jaiswal on 58, forcing a thick edge to Harry Brook at first slip, sending a roar around Old Trafford. The pressure intensified when Ben Stokes himself, relishing his self-ascribed “Midas touch,” trapped India captain Gill lbw for 12—a misjudgement that epitomised England’s resurgence just before tea. Each wicket fueled belief among the home crowd and brought England’s slip cordon to life.
Sai Sudharsan, making his debut, had to negotiate a barrage of disciplined pace and aggressive fielding. On the other end, Rishabh Pant’s arrival injected urgency, setting up a tense, tactical battle for the final session.
Final Session: Grit and Tension
Evening play continued with India on 179/3, with Sudharsan and Pant building a patient partnership. England bowled in persistent channels, with Brydon Carse and Archer pressing for further inroads. Sudharsan, determined and unflappable, weathered testing spells and probing short balls, ending the session unbeaten on 38 from 104 balls. Pant, always dangerous, counterattacked in bursts, poised on 15 off 23 deliveries as stumps neared.
Old Trafford’s unpredictable weather loomed in the background, with rain threatening but not intervening. Both sides remained wary not just of the conditions but of each other’s tenacity. The session closed with India in a cautious yet promising position, three wickets down but with a chance to set an imposing total on day two.
Series Context
This match is pivotal. England’s lead means they control the narrative, but history offers warnings. No side has won a Test at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first, so Stokes’ call will come under scrutiny as the match unfolds. Both teams have endured injury setbacks, but the replacements—particularly India’s youthful inclusions—add intrigue and unpredictability.
Expert analysis before the match spoke to England’s home advantage and the psychological impact of Indian stars missing through injury and retirement. Former England captain Nasser Hussain expected home conditions to swing the series decisively, while Matthew Hayden predicted India’s talented young side could spring surprises if the ball does not move early on.
However, Graeme Swann was more bullish, suggesting England would win comfortably, noting India’s inexperience without Kohli or Sharma in the line-up. Yet, as the day’s play showed, India’s emerging talents are not overawed by their surroundings and remain capable of competing at the highest level.
Outstanding Performances and Records
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s milestone of 1,000 Test runs in just 16 innings brings him in line with Mohammad Azharuddin, highlighting India’s continued production of elite batting talent despite generational changes. For England, the impressive return of Liam Dawson reaffirms the enduring strength of English spin resources, even with injuries impacting squad selection.
